By Carolyn Bates

Washington, D.C. — Alabama Association of School Boards appointed honorable Carolyn Calhoun-Bates, Dallas County Board of Education first elected African-American woman president and school board member, to the National School Boards Association in Washington, D.C.

Bates served three years on Dallas County Board of Education. In late October, she was appointed to Federal
Relations Network to meet with Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Congress members in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill.

Each year, the AASB Board of Directors appoints a group of elite board members to participate in the National School Boards Association Federal Relations Network (FRN).

“In 2000 and 2001 I sent letters advocating for a national education reform, and received responses from U. S. Secretary of Education and both President Clinton and President Bush, and shortly after the No Child Let Behind Act passed,” Bates said.

She has many years of experience as an educator, including being a disabilities and education activist for many Selma and Dallas County students. Her local, state and national successful advocacy established a state recognized Selma Disabilities Special Needs Day and Autism Awareness Celebration. She is the founder of Selma Disabilities Advocacy Program, J.C. Bates Children Education and History Museum, S.E.T.T. Job Training Program, PAIRS Legal Program, and she is recognized locally and nationally for her many years of community services.

In addition to advocacy, Bates will work with AASB to set up meetings in her district to meet with local congressional member during their recesses to give her insights and examples about their own K-12 schools and students.

FRN provides a unique opportunity for local school board members to be engaged with their members of Congress.

Bates duties as National School Boards Association Federal Relations Network Member:

-Develop key relationships with members of Congress
-Receive vital information throughout the year concerning federal legislation and action
-Respond to National School Board Association calls to action
-Share calls to action with fellow school board members
-Experience the Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C.